RTX 4070 vs RTX 4070 Super: Bottleneck & FPS Comparison
The RTX 4070 Super delivers approximately 10–15% more gaming performance than the standard RTX 4070, narrowing the gap toward the RTX 4070 Ti significantly. For the bottleneck equation, this means the 4070 Super requires a slightly stronger CPU to avoid leaving that extra performance unused especially at 1080p. The standard 4070 is more forgiving on CPU pairing; the 4070 Super rewards a better processor to unlock its full capability.
Use the FPS calculator to estimate expected frame rates for your specific CPU/GPU combination before choosing between the two.
Key Differences Between RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Super
| Feature | RTX 4070 | RTX 4070 Super |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 5,888 | 7,168 (+22%) |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 504 GB/s | 504 GB/s |
| TDP | 200W | 220W |
| Performance Delta | Baseline | ~10–15% faster in gaming |
| Typical Price Premium | — | ~$50–$80 more |
The 4070 Super's additional CUDA cores are its primary advantage. Memory bandwidth and capacity are identical between the two, which means the performance gap is mainly in raw rendering throughput more useful at higher visual settings and resolutions.
How the Performance Gap Affects Bottleneck Calculations
Because the RTX 4070 Super is faster than the standard 4070, it reduces the GPU bottleneck percentage when paired with the same CPU — but simultaneously has a higher threshold before the CPU bottleneck becomes negligible. In plain terms:
- Same CPU + 4070: GPU is the limiting factor at higher settings; mild or no CPU bottleneck
- Same CPU + 4070 Super: The faster GPU exposes more of the CPU's headroom, potentially showing a slightly larger CPU bottleneck
This gap is most visible at 1080p, where the GPU renders frames quickly regardless of which model you choose, and less visible at 1440p and 4K where the GPU's additional speed is absorbed by the higher workload.
Check your specific CPU against both GPUs at your target resolution in the bottleneck calculator to see exactly how much the CPU bottleneck changes between the two cards.
Which CPU Do You Need for Each?
For the Standard RTX 4070
The RTX 4070 is a mid-to-high-range GPU and is reasonably forgiving on CPU pairing:
- 1080p: Core i5-13600K, Ryzen 5 7600X or better for under 15% bottleneck
- 1440p: Core i5-13600K or Ryzen 5 7600X is sufficient; any stronger chip reduces it further
- 4K: Any modern 6-core+ CPU pairs well
For the RTX 4070 Super
The 4070 Super's extra throughput means you want a slightly stronger CPU to fully utilize it, particularly at 1080p:
- 1080p: Core i7-14700K, Ryzen 7 7700X, or ideally Ryzen 7 7800X3D for the smallest bottleneck
- 1440p: Core i5-13600K or Ryzen 5 7600X still acceptable; Core i7-14700K or Ryzen 7 7800X3D for best results
- 4K: Same as the standard 4070 any modern 6-core+ CPU works
FPS Comparison: What to Expect
Exact FPS varies significantly by game, settings, and CPU use the FPS calculator for an estimate with your specific hardware. As a general guide:
| Resolution & Setting | RTX 4070 (Est.) | RTX 4070 Super (Est.) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p Ultra | Very high FPS | ~10–15% more | Meaningful at high-refresh targets |
| 1440p Ultra | High FPS | ~10–15% more | Worth it for 144Hz+ users |
| 4K High | Moderate FPS | ~10–15% more | Useful for 4K 60Hz+ targets |
The FPS gap between the two cards is consistent across resolutions because it's driven by the core count difference, not resolution-specific factors.
Is the RTX 4070 Super Worth the Extra Cost?
The 4070 Super is worth the upgrade over the standard 4070 if:
- You target 1440p at 144Hz or above the extra 10–15% FPS translates directly into hitting that refresh rate target more consistently
- You want future headroom as games become more demanding over the next 1–2 years
- The price premium is under $80 in your market the performance-per-dollar remains competitive
- Your CPU is already strong enough (Core i7 / Ryzen 7 class or better) to unlock the 4070 Super's full potential
The standard RTX 4070 remains the better choice if:
- You primarily game at 1080p 60Hz the extra performance is largely redundant
- Your CPU is a mid-range chip that would bottleneck the 4070 Super more than the standard 4070
- The price difference is more than $100 in your region
Confirm whether your CPU can support the 4070 Super without a significant bottleneck by checking both cards in the Compare Systems tool.
Key Takeaways
- The RTX 4070 Super is approximately 10–15% faster than the standard RTX 4070 due to 22% more CUDA cores.
- The faster 4070 Super benefits from a slightly stronger CPU the same chip that pairs fine with the standard 4070 may show a larger bottleneck with the Super.
- At 1440p, the 4070 Super is the more worthwhile buy for 144Hz+ targets; at 1080p 60Hz the performance difference is less relevant.
- Use the FPS calculator to estimate FPS for your specific CPU and either GPU before deciding which to buy.
- Check both cards against your current CPU in the bottleneck calculator to confirm how much the bottleneck changes between the two models.
